Junior Rasmussen
Choosing a wedding dress is an exciting but often overwhelming experience. With so many options, it can be difficult to know where to start. The first step is to determine your bridal style and budget. Compile a file of your favourite wedding dresses, whether that's from magazines, social media, or bridal boutiques. Identify an overarching theme and silhouette that you like, and consider what story you want your dress to tell. Once you have a vision, share it with your gown consultant, who can help you pull styles that match the feeling you want to evoke. It's important to keep an open mind and try on different gowns, as you may be surprised by what you end up liking. Remember to start your search early, as it can take time to find the right dress and make any necessary alterations. Finally, don't be afraid to discuss your budget, as this will help prevent disappointment and heartache later on. Happy wedding dress shopping!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Budget | Have a price range in mind and choose a designer that fits within your budget. Factor in tax, shipping, and alterations. |
| Timing | Start your search about nine months to a year before your wedding date. |
| Style | Compile a visual file of your favorite wedding dresses to identify an overarching theme. Do your homework about which designer's style fits with your ideal dress. |
| Body type | Understand what a wedding dress silhouette refers to and identify your body type. |
| Reputation | Check the designer's reputation by looking at real wedding features in magazines and online. |
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What You'll Learn
Understand your body type and the silhouettes that work for it
Understanding your body type is essential to choosing a wedding dress that accentuates your best features and flatters your unique figure. The right dress will make you feel comfortable and confident on your special day.
Body types can be broadly categorised into shapes, such as hourglass, pear, oval, apple, rectangle, and inverted triangle. Each body type is characterised by different features, which can be highlighted or balanced by certain dress silhouettes. For example, the hourglass body type is characterised by balanced proportions between the bust and hips, with a smaller waist. To showcase this shape, dresses that cinch at the waist, such as fit-and-flare or mermaid silhouettes, are often recommended.
The A-line silhouette is another versatile and flattering style, named for its resemblance to the letter "A". This style features a fitted top that gradually flares out from the waist, creating a balanced and elegant look. It enhances natural curves without overemphasising any particular area, making it suitable for a range of body types, including the rectangle and triangle shapes. The flare from the waist adds volume and definition, especially flattering those with a straight silhouette.
For petite brides, the empire waistline is a popular choice as it elongates the body. This silhouette has a long skirt that starts just below the chest, often with a fitted top, creating a timeless and elegant look.
The sheath silhouette, on the other hand, is a simple and elegant style that flows straight down from the neckline to the hem, skimming rather than clinging to the body's curves. This silhouette is excellent for tall, slim brides, as it provides body definition, but can also work for petite brides, giving an elongated appearance.
Ultimately, the most important consideration when choosing a wedding dress is how you feel in it. Stay true to your style and trust your instincts to find a dress that makes you feel comfortable, radiant, and confident.
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Determine your budget and stick to it
Determining your budget is one of the most important steps in choosing a wedding dress designer. The average cost of a wedding gown is $2,000, but prices can range from $800 to over $10,000. It's essential to be realistic about what you can afford and to factor in additional costs such as alterations, shipping, and taxes.
Before you start shopping, establish a clear, set budget that you can stick to. Be honest with yourself about what you can afford, and don't be tempted to try on dresses that are over budget. It's easy to fall in love with a dress that's out of your price range, so only consider designers and gowns that fit within your budget.
One way to save money is to shop second-hand. Pre-owned wedding gowns can be 40-70% cheaper than new ones, and you'll also be reducing textile waste. Another option is to attend trunk shows or sample sales, where you can find designer dresses at discounted prices. If you have your heart set on a particular designer, consider buying an entry-level gown from their collection, rather than a custom-made or luxury option, to stay within your budget.
When setting your budget, remember to include alterations. Most wedding dresses will need at least minor adjustments to fit perfectly, so plan to pay for these upfront. Simple fabrication and fewer embellishments will also help keep costs down. Finally, don't forget to budget for accessories such as jewellery, shoes, and a veil, which can add several hundred dollars to your overall wedding dress budget.
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Research the designer's reputation and popularity
Wedding dress designers are aplenty, but how do you choose the right one for you? Well, it's important to do your research on their reputation and popularity.
Firstly, it's worth considering whether you want your dress to be designed by an established, popular designer or a newer, independent designer. Established designers will likely have more reviews and testimonials for you to look at, whereas newer designers may be more willing to adapt their designs to your preferences.
Next, it's a good idea to look at wedding magazines and blogs to see which designers are popular at the moment. If you see a particular designer featured in multiple real weddings, you'll know they're in vogue. This could be a positive or negative factor, depending on whether you want a popular designer or a more unique dress.
You can also research a designer's reputation by looking at reviews and testimonials. See what other brides have to say about their experience with the designer and the quality of the dresses. It's also worth checking if the designer has won any industry awards or accolades.
Finally, it's essential to consider your budget. Some designers will be out of your price range, so it's important to be realistic about what you can afford. You don't want to fall in love with a designer who is too expensive, so be sure to have a budget in mind before you start your research.
By following these steps, you can be sure that you're choosing a reputable and popular wedding dress designer who fits within your budget.
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Assess the designer's style and whether it aligns with your vision
Choosing a wedding dress designer whose style aligns with your vision is a crucial step in bringing your dream gown to life. Here are some instructive tips to help you in this process:
Understand Your Bridal Style
Before you begin your search, take time to understand your bridal style and what you envision for your wedding day look. Compile a collection of your favourite wedding dresses from various sources, such as magazines, Instagram, Pinterest, online bridal boutiques, and celebrity looks. Identify common themes in the gowns you've selected, such as embellishments, lace, volume, open backs, or specific necklines. This process will help you determine your overarching bridal style and guide you towards designers who specialise in those styles.
Research Designers' Styles
Once you have a better understanding of your bridal style, delve into the world of bridalwear designers. Remember, each designer offers a specific aesthetic to their clients, and it's rare for a designer to cater to every style. Explore their collections, browse their websites, and study their previous work. If you're envisioning a 1920s-inspired slip gown, for instance, focus on designers who excel in creating such looks rather than those known for structured, corseted dresses.
Consider Experience and Reputation
Experience and innocence both have their pros and cons. Some designers have extensive experience in the industry, while others are newer. While experience doesn't always equate to skill, it can indicate a track record of satisfied brides. Additionally, consider the designer's reputation by looking beyond the glossy ads. Flip through real wedding features in magazines, and search for your preferred designer on wedding blogs to see how often their gowns are featured.
Stay Within Your Budget
While you may admire certain designers, it's essential to be realistic about your budget. Wedding dresses can be expensive, and you don't want to fall in love with a designer who is out of your price range. Know your budget beforehand, and research designers who fit within that bracket. You may be able to afford a lower-end gown from a prestigious designer or a higher-end piece from an emerging designer.
Keep an Open Mind
Although it's important to have a vision, staying open-minded is equally crucial. What you envision on a hanger may not always translate the same way once you try it on. Be receptive to suggestions from your gown consultant, as they can offer valuable insights and guide you towards styles that match your desired feeling on your wedding day.
Remember, choosing a wedding dress designer is about finding someone who can bring your vision to life and make you feel beautiful and confident. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to selecting a designer who aligns perfectly with your dream wedding dress.
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Start shopping early to accommodate alterations
Wedding dress shopping is an exciting part of the wedding planning process. To ensure that you have a stress-free experience, it is important to start early. This allows you to explore various options without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Most bridal stylists recommend buying your gown nine months to a year before your wedding date. This timeline accommodates the time needed for delivery, alterations, and customizations.
Wedding dresses often require multiple fittings to ensure the perfect fit. It is recommended to schedule your first fitting eight to twelve weeks before the wedding and a final fitting no later than two weeks before the big day. During these fittings, a seamstress will modify the gown to your body, ensuring it meets your specifications and makes you feel beautiful.
If you are making significant changes to the design, such as reworking the corset or cups, or accommodating a pregnancy, you may need to budget a few extra weeks. It is also important to bring your day-of essentials, such as shoes and undergarments, to your fittings to obtain the proper fit.
Starting your wedding dress search early allows you to take the time to find "the one" and then work with a seamstress to make any necessary alterations. This ensures that your gown will be ready well in advance of your wedding day, giving you one less thing to worry about as you walk down the aisle.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to start looking for your wedding dress about nine months to a year before the wedding. This allows time for any alterations and customisations.
Compile a visual file of your favourite wedding dresses. Tear pages out of magazines, save Instagram posts, create a Pinterest board, browse online bridal boutiques, and make note of celebrity looks you love. Then, identify an overarching theme. Do you like embellished, lacy, or voluminous gowns? Do they have open backs or strapless necklines?
Firstly, have a price range in mind and see what designers fit within that bracket. Check their reputation by looking at real wedding features in magazines and searching for them on wedding blogs. Consider whether you want a designer with a specific aesthetic, and whether you want a more experienced or newer designer.
A silhouette refers to the outline of a garment. It could be loose and flowing, like a sheath dress, or fitted and flaring, like a ballgown. To choose a silhouette, identify your body type and consider which style will accentuate your natural curves.
Don't get hung up on dress sizes—bridal sizing tends to run small. Order based on your current bust, waist, and hip measurements. Choose a dress that feels right for you—it's your day and your dress!
